CONDEMN THE MURDER OF ERICSON ACOSTA, NDF CONSULTANT IN THE PHILIPPINES

The International League of Peoples Struggle (ILPS) strongly condemns the murder of National Democratic Front (NDF) Consultant Ericson Acosta, by the Philippine government and state.

Ericson was a consultant for the NDF in the stalled peace talks between the NDF and the Philippine government. He was in the process of consultation with farmers over the issue of the comprehensive agreement on social and economic reforms, which is a substantial agenda item in the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Philippine-NDF.

Ericson was last seen alive when he was arrested in the morning of the 30th of November. Later that day, he was dead. The Philippine military claimed that he died during an “encounter”. This is a lie.

Under his status as an NDF consultant, he was supposed to be protected and his immunity guaranteed, by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee (JASIG). Clearly the Philippine government and military ignored and violated this agreement.

All peace-loving and democratic people across the globe are outraged over this yet another extrajudicial killing by the Philippine government and state.

We demand action and justice by the Filipino authorities for the vicious murder of Ericson Acosta, and all other victims of the fascist extrajudicial killings by the Philippine government and the state.

We call on all ILPS networks, member organizations and supporters globally, to protest against the murder of Ericson Acosta, and take action to expose the ongoing fascist nature of the government and authorities in the Philippines.

Len Cooper
ILPS Chairperson
8/12/22